In the world of firearms, 80 lowers have garnered significant attention in recent years. Whether you’re a DIY gun enthusiast or a seasoned builder, the allure of creating your own firearm from an 80 lower is strong. But what exactly is an 80 lower, and why has it become so popular among gun enthusiasts? In this detailed guide, we’ll explore what 80 lowers are, their benefits, the legal aspects, and how to finish them to create a fully functional firearm. Whether you are considering building your own firearm or just curious about this trend, this article will give you all the information you need.
What is an 80 Lower?
An 80 lower refers to an unfinished lower receiver for firearms, particularly rifles like the AR-15 or AR-10. The term 80 lower means that the lower receiver is 80% complete and requires additional work before it can be used as part of a fully functional firearm. The term “80%” indicates that most of the critical cuts, like the magazine well, trigger, and safety holes, are pre-drilled, but there are still several steps to complete.
The lower receiver is one of the essential components of a firearm, as it houses the trigger, magazine, and buffer tube. The 80 lower is a partially completed lower receiver, which allows the owner to finish the work, typically using specialized tools such as jigs, drills, and milling machines. The process of completing an 80 lower is considered a DIY project, giving you the freedom to build a custom firearm to your specifications.
Why Should You Choose an 80 Lower?
There are several reasons why 80 lowers are becoming increasingly popular among gun owners, hobbyists, and builders. Here are some of the top reasons why people choose to build their own firearms from 80 lowers.
1. Customization
One of the main reasons people opt to build a firearm using an 80 lower is the level of customization it allows. Building your own rifle or firearm from scratch means you have complete control over the design. You can choose every part of the firearm, from the stock to the trigger group to the grip. Whether you want a lighter rifle, a more ergonomic design, or specific modifications for performance, you can tailor the firearm to meet your needs.
This freedom of customization is a significant advantage, especially for those who want a firearm that matches their specific requirements or style. Unlike factory-made rifles, which often come with limitations in terms of parts selection, building from an 80 lower allows you to craft a firearm that is truly unique.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Building a firearm from an 80 lower can often be more affordable than buying a pre-assembled firearm, especially if you already own some of the tools required to complete the lower receiver. While purchasing the 80 lower itself may seem like a small upfront cost, you can save money by sourcing components separately, and potentially getting high-quality parts at a better price.
In the long run, building your own firearm from an 80 lower can be a more cost-effective solution, especially when you compare it to the price of fully assembled firearms that come with factory-installed components. Plus, the ability to choose your parts allows you to prioritize the areas where you want to invest in high-quality components without paying for extras you don’t need.
3. Education and Skill Building
For many firearm owners, the process of building a rifle from an 80 lower is an educational experience. By completing the lower receiver and assembling the firearm yourself, you gain a better understanding of how the various parts of a firearm function together. This knowledge can prove valuable, especially when it comes to troubleshooting and repairing your firearm in the future.
Building a firearm from an 80 lower also helps you develop practical skills, such as using a milling machine, operating a drill press, and understanding firearm mechanics. These skills are transferable and can be useful if you decide to work on other firearms or even embark on other DIY projects.
4. Privacy and Control
Another significant advantage of building a firearm from an 80 lower is the level of privacy it offers. When purchasing an 80 lower, you are not required to undergo a background check in many states, as the lower receiver is not considered a firearm until it is completed. This allows you to maintain privacy regarding your firearm ownership, especially compared to buying a pre-assembled rifle that involves a background check and government registration.
Additionally, you have full control over when and how the firearm is completed. The timing and the final assembly are entirely up to you, which gives you more flexibility than purchasing a ready-to-fire firearm.
Legal Considerations with 80 Lowers
While 80 lowers offer many benefits, they also come with legal considerations that every builder needs to understand. Before you purchase an 80 lower, it’s important to familiarize yourself with both federal and state regulations.
Federal Laws on 80 Lowers
At the federal level, 80 lowers are not considered firearms until they are fully completed. As such, you do not need to pass a background check to purchase an 80 lower, and you are not required to register it with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) at the time of purchase.
However, once you finish the 80 lower by completing the necessary drilling and milling work, it will be considered a firearm under federal law. At this point, the finished firearm must be subject to all applicable federal laws, including those regarding firearm ownership, transfer, and registration.
If you decide to sell or transfer the completed firearm, you must comply with the necessary legal processes, such as conducting a background check on the buyer.
State Laws on 80 Lowers
While federal law provides a general framework, state laws can vary significantly. Some states have stricter regulations regarding 80 lowers, while others have fewer restrictions. It’s important to research the laws in your state before purchasing or completing an 80 lower.
For example:
- California requires that all firearms, including those built from 80 lowers, be registered with the state and have a serial number.
- New York has similar requirements, and owners must serialize their 80 lowers and complete the proper paperwork.
- Texas is more lenient with 80 lowers, but you are still required to follow legal regulations once the firearm is completed.
Before you begin building a firearm from an 80 lower, make sure to check your state’s regulations to ensure compliance.
How to Complete an 80 Lower: Step-by-Step Guide
Completing an 80 lower requires a series of steps, and it’s essential to use the right tools to ensure the job is done correctly. Below is an overview of the process involved.
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools
To complete an 80 lower, you will need the following tools:
- Drill press or milling machine: Used to drill and mill the necessary holes and pockets.
- Jig kit: A jig will help guide the drilling and milling process, ensuring the components are cut and drilled in the correct locations.
- Drill bits: Required for drilling various holes, such as for the trigger, hammer, and safety pins.
- End mills: Used to mill the fire control pocket and other areas of the lower receiver.
- Clamps: To secure the lower receiver and jig during the process.
Step 2: Install the Jig
The jig is crucial for completing the 80 lower. It will help you align the lower receiver accurately and ensure the correct placement of the drill holes and cuts. Follow the jig’s instructions carefully and secure it to the lower receiver with clamps.
Step 3: Drill the Holes
Using a drill press or milling machine, you’ll need to drill holes for components like the trigger, hammer, and safety selector. This process is critical to ensuring the parts fit properly once the firearm is assembled.
Step 4: Mill the Fire Control Pocket
Milling the fire control pocket is one of the most critical steps. This is where the trigger and other internal parts will fit. Using end mills, carefully mill out the fire control pocket according to the specifications.
Step 5: Finalize and Clean the Lower Receiver
Once you’ve completed the drilling and milling, it’s time to clean up the lower receiver. Remove any burrs or sharp edges, and smooth the surface to ensure proper function. At this point, the lower receiver should be ready for assembly.
Step 6: Assemble the Fire Control Group
After completing the 80 lower, you can begin assembling the internal components. This includes installing the trigger, hammer, selector, and any other necessary parts. Once everything is assembled, your firearm is ready for use.
Conclusion
Building a firearm from an 80 lower is a rewarding and customizable process that allows you to create a unique weapon tailored to your preferences. With the right tools, knowledge, and legal understanding, you can successfully complete your own 80 lower and assemble a fully functional firearm.
However, it is crucial to stay informed about the legal requirements surrounding 80 lowers, as both federal and state regulations can impact the completion and ownership of your firearm. As long as you follow the proper steps and remain compliant with the law, building a firearm from an 80 lower can be an enjoyable and educational project for any firearms enthusiast.
